Interesting Facts About Michigan
Michigan is a state full of surprises. From its beautiful natural areas to its rich history, there are plenty of interesting facts about the state to learn. Here are 30 of the most interesting facts about Michigan.
1. Michigan is the only state in the United States that consists of two peninsulas.
2. Michigan is the 11th largest state in the United States.
3. Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline in the world.
4. Michigan has the most lighthouses of any state in the United States.
5. Michigan has the second-longest border of any state in the United States.
6. Michigan is home to three national parks.
7. Michigan is the only state in the Midwest to have a saltwater coastline.
8. Michigan is home to the world’s only floating post office.
9. Michigan is home to five of the Great Lakes.
10. Michigan is home to the largest state forest in the United States.
11. Michigan was the 26th state to join the Union in 1837.
12. The state of Michigan was named after the Ojibwe word “mishigamaa”, which means “large lake”.
13. Detroit was the first city in the United States to have a freeway system.
14. Michigan is the birthplace of the modern automobile, with the first car (the Ford Model T) being built in Detroit in 1908.
15. The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1893.
16. Michigan is the home of the Motown sound, with many of the classic Motown songs being recorded in Detroit.
17. The world’s first Kmart store was opened in Garden City, Michigan in 1962.
18. Michigan is home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth.
19. Michigan is the birthplace of the cereal industry, with the first breakfast cereal (Granula) being invented in Battle Creek in 1854.
20. The city of Ann Arbor is home to the oldest continually operating university in the United States, the University of Michigan.
21. Michigan is the only state that has two official state drinks: Vernors ginger ale and Michigan apple cider.
22. Michigan is the only state in the United States with a floating post office.
23. The official state song of Michigan is “Michigan, My Michigan”.
24. The official state animal of Michigan is the white-tailed deer.
25. The official state stone of Michigan is the Petoskey stone.
26. Michigan is the only state in the United States with two official languages: English and Ojibwe.
27. Michigan is the only state in the United States with its own national park, Isle Royale National Park.
28. Michigan is home to the world’s only floating post office, located in Sault Ste. Marie.
29. Michigan is home to the world’s only floating lighthouse, located in Saugatuck.
30. Michigan is the home of the world’s largest cherry pie, weighing in at over 4,000 pounds.
These are just some of the interesting facts about Michigan. From its rich history to its unique geography, there is much to explore in this great state. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, make sure to take a moment to appreciate all that Michigan has to offer.
